Creatures of Comfort

Creatures of Comfort designer Jade Lai's unlikely jumping-off point for Fall? The beloved murder mystery board game Clue. Taking cues from the idea of an opulent yet sinister supper (models' lips were even berry-stained, as though they were already a few glasses of merlot deep), the brand's Fall woman was cloaked in enigma and Loro Piana in equal measure. Whether intentional or not, the concept of hidden things echoed in many-layered looks and lots of spruce outerwear.

Standouts included a swingy car coat in powder blue with a shawl collar and unfinished seams, which opened the show (its appeal only heightened by the raw Manhattan day on which it was presented), and sweeping, high-collared capes aplenty. Flatform shoes, created in collaboration with LD Tuttle, saved more vintage-inspired looks from feeling too precious or costumey.

The lone gown (backless and low-cut) in icy green washed silk seemed an unsuccessful marriage of sex appeal and intellect. Neither fitted nor flowing, and with a large, asymmetrical accent that swallowed up much of the dress, it was difficult to imagine the woman who would wear it. But on the whole, Creatures' latest outing was an impressively ambitious one. While the murky green flannels and bold cable knits would surely look good on misty moors, it's safe to say that their final destinations will be in the closets of many an urbane woman.